There are many ways to transport goods in Malaysia. For instance, there’s air freight, sea freight and land freight. When it comes to shipping to Sabah and Sarawak from West Malaysia, sea shipping is actually the most common method, especially for a large number of goods.
If you’re looking for container shipping services to East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), sea shipping is also one of the reliable methods of transportation. Let’s explore more about sea shipping from West Malaysia to East Malaysia below:
Overview of Sea Shipping from West Malaysia to East Malaysia
Due to the geographic location of Sabah and Sarawak, sea shipping is actually one of the main modes of transportation for shipping to Sabah. Sea shipping from West Malaysia to East Malaysia is known to be affordable and has the capacity to handle large types of shipping containers and goods compared to air freight.
East Malaysia depends on sea shipping as it can handle a wide variety of items such as consumer goods, agricultural, industrial materials, and vehicles. Using sea freight to Sabah and Sarawak is also generally environmentally friendly as it has a lower carbon footprint.
How long is Sea Shipping from West Malaysia and East Malaysia?
You might also be curious about how long sea shipping is from West Malaysia, Semenanjung to East Malaysia.
On average, here are the estimated transit periods from KL to Sabah and Sarawak:
- KL to Sabah: between a range of 5 to 7 days
- KL to Sarawak: between a range of 4 to 6 days
Here is the estimated sea shipping from Port Klang to Sabah and Sarawak:
- Port Klang to Kota Kinabalu Port: Shipping from Port Klang to Kota Kinabalu will take between 3-4 days to the destination port.
- Port Klang to Kuching Port: Shipping from Port Klang to Kuching will take between 3-4 days to arrive at the destination port.
The periods of sea shipping to Sabah and Sarawak from West Malaysia also depend on peak periods. Usually, there’s no transit for domestic sea shipping in Malaysia.
Contact us for Sea shipping to Sabah and Sarawak with Global Track Lines
Shipping Ports in East Malaysia
Shipping ports in Malaysia, especially in West Malaysia, play a vital role in connecting Sabah and Sarawak to the rest of Malaysia and the world. Both states host several key ports, each serving unique roles in trade and logistics, with cost factors varying based on services, cargo types, and operational efficiency.
Shipping Ports in Sabah
There are four main sea ports in Sabah:
- Sandakan Port focuses on exporting palm oil, timber, and other agricultural products.
- Kota Kinabalu Port handles general cargo and supports regional trade activities.
- Lahad Datu Port is a hub for oil palm and timber exports.
- Tawau Port specializes in cross-border trade with neighboring countries.
Shipping Ports in Sarawak
Shipping ports in Sarawak include:
- Bintulu Port is a major deepwater port, handling LNG exports and bulk cargo.
- Sibu Port serves as an inland waterway port, primarily for timber and agricultural goods.
- Kuching Port supports containerized cargo and general trade.
- Miri Port caters to the oil and gas industry and smaller-scale cargo.
Cost factors at these ports vary based on infrastructure, cargo handling requirements, and proximity to industries or international markets.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship from West Malaysia to East Malaysia?
There are several factors that affect the shipping cost to East Malaysia such as from KL to Sabah. Here are some of the cost factors that affect sea freight shipping to East Malaysia:
- Size and Weight of the Container and Goods: This means the cost depends on the total size and weight of the goods. The larger and heavier the items are, the higher the cost.
- Service Required: The cost also depends on the type of service such as Full Container Load (FCL), which is for large goods, or Less than Container Load (LCL) for smaller goods.
- Port and Distance Charges: The port and distance also contribute to the overall cost as it depends on the respective Malaysia port rates and shipping routes.
To get an estimated price range, contact Global Track Lines for a customised quote on sea shipping to Sabah and Sarawak.
Do You Need to Declare the Shipping Goods to Customs?
Yes, you need to declare all the shipped goods to customs for shipping to Sabah or Sarawak. It is also referred to as the K3 declaration and is performed by your preferred agent. For instance, some of the things that need to be declared are:
- Restricted Items: Check items that are prohibited or restricted to ensure there are specific permits.
- Documentation: Proper documentation is needed such as packing lists or invoices.
- Taxes: Goods that require taxes may be declared.
Process of Shipping Goods from West Malaysia to East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak)
Shipping goods from Peninsular Malaysia to East Malaysia via sea freight involves several key steps and considerations. The steps are essential for businesses and individuals looking to transport shipments across the South China Sea to the states of Sabah and Sarawak. Below is a comprehensive guide of the shipping process from West Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak, including transit times, customs requirements, and cost factors.
1. Understand Shipping Requirements and Documentation
- Prepare necessary documents like the packing list, invoice, customs declaration, also known as K3 documentation (must be handled by a licensed customs agent), and delivery order.
- Check for any restrictions or special permits required for the goods you’re shipping.
2. Choose a Sea Freight Forwarder
- Engage with a reputable freight forwarder in Malaysia that specializes in sea freight services or a shipping company that offers services between West and East Malaysia like Global Track Lines, Pos Malaysia or others.
3. Package and Label the Goods
- Ensure your goods are securely packed to prevent damage during transit. Use pallets, crates, or containers as required.
- Clearly label the items with the consignee’s details, the destination address, and any handling instructions.
4. Select the Shipping Method
- Full Container Load (FCL): Best for large shipments; you’ll have exclusive use of a container.
- Less than Container Load (LCL): Ideal for smaller shipments; your goods will share container space with others.
5. Arrange for Transportation to the Port
- Arrange for trucking or transport to deliver the goods to the designated port in West Malaysia, such as Port Klang, Penang or Johor Port. The choice of port may affect transit times and costs.
- A freight forwarder can arrange to pick up your goods from your location and transport them to the designated port in West Malaysia.
6. Customs Clearance
- Before departure, your shipment must clear customs in West Malaysia. This involves inspection by customs officials and may require an export permit depending on the nature of the goods.
- Submit required documents and declarations to Malaysian customs.
- Pay any applicable duties or taxes if the goods are taxable.
7. Loading onto Vessel
- Your cargo will be loaded onto a vessel, depending on which container you opt for, FCL or LCL.
8. Transit and Tracking
- Generally, sea freight from West Malaysia to East Malaysia takes between 2 to 7 days, depending on the departure port and the destination port.
- Track your shipment during its transit to ensure smooth handling and timely delivery.
9. Arrival and Customs Clearance in East Malaysia
- Upon arrival at ports (e.g., Kota Kinabalu Port in Sabah or Kuching Port in Sarawak), your shipment will undergo import customs clearance before being released for delivery.
- Coordinate with the freight forwarder for last-mile delivery to the destination.
10. Delivery to Final Destination
- After clearing customs, the freight forwarder will arrange for the delivery of your goods to their final destination within East Malaysia.
Additional Ocean Freight Tips
Here are some shipping tips before you engage with a sea freight forwarder:
- Cost: Compare rates among different providers to get the best deal.
- Insurance: Purchase marine and cargo insurance to protect your shipment against potential loss or damage.
- Transit Time: Sea freight to Sabah and Sarawak can take 7-14 days, depending on the service and route.
Conclusion
To conclude, sea shipping to Sabah and Sarawak is one of the reliable modes of transportation that is both affordable and environmentally friendly. It’s also suitable for those who’re looking to transport a large number of goods. Once you’ve gained a better understanding of the overall process and average cost of sea shipping, you can start planning your shipping journey.
However, if you require more assistance, contact Global Track Lines today! We have a team of professionals who are more than ready to guide you through our personalized sea freight services to East Malaysia.
